STUDY DESIGN

The methodological approach of the ATICA Study combines a cluster randomized trial with the investigation of interventions with a mixed methods quantitative and qualitative approach.

The intervention analysis will be carried out using RE-AIM and CFIR frameworks, both widely used in implementation science. This combination of approaches was designed to fully evaluate the implementation of ICT as a way to improve triage adherence.

The study has three phases:

Formative research
For the formative research, women who have performed an HPV self-collection test in the province of Jujuy will be gathered in focus groups. Their input will be taken into account to determine the most appropriate design for the structure and content of the text messages given local reality.

Design of the SMS automated system: Applied Messaging for Screening and Follow-up (MATYS [Automatic Messaging for Screening and Follow-up Care])
The ATICA Study will develop an automated messaging system to send SMS messages which will be linked to the Screening Information System (SITAM) of the National Cancer Institute of Argentina.

In the intervention phase, a cluster randomized trial will be carried out to measure the effectiveness of the intervention, in other words, sending text messages with the aim of increasing triage adherence. This phase will include over 200 community health workers recruit approximately 4000 women to perform HPV self-collection in the province of Jujuy. HPV+ women will receive up to four messages letting them know that their results are available at their health care center.
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After the intervention, the evaluation of the implementation will be carried out through different strategies that include surveys to the women and community health workers, as well as interviews to health authorities and providers. In doing so, we will collect information on the acceptability of the intervention.